Revelers Hit NYC Bars for SantaCon

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Thousands of red-suited Santas braved the blustery snow Saturday, despite widespread criticism of the costumed pub crawl known as SantaCon.

New York City's SantaCon started Saturday morning in Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. Revelers then spread out through the city's bars and snowy streets.

This year's SantaCon took place amid criticism that the event has become too rowdy. Metro-North banned alcohol on its trains from noon Saturday to noon Sunday as a precaution.

Police were out in full force on Saturday to monitor the hordes of drunken Santas. Officers handed out fliers at subway stations and parks warning the Santas to remove their fake beards before entering bars.

A Storm of Santas Descend Upon New York

Officials said the NYPD issued 10 summonses during SantaCon, eight for open containers and two for disorderly conduct.

On its website, SantaCon describes itself as a "nonsensical Santa Claus convention'' that donates cash to the Food Bank for NYC and other local charities.

SantaCon participants were told to make charitable donations and encouraged to bring small gifts to bestow on one another and passers-by.